C7‐Functionalization of Indoles via Organocatalytic Enantioselective Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation of 4‐Amino‐ indoles with 2‐Butene‐1,4‐diones and 3‐Aroylacrylates

An efficient protocol for the enantioselective C7 Friedel‐Crafts alkylation between 4‐aminoindoles and 2‐butene‐1,4‐diones or 3‐aroylacrylates was reported. This process was catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid, affording the corresponding 1,4‐disubstituted indoles in moderate to high yields with good to high enantioselectivities. This reaction could be performed on a gram scale without loss of efficiency, and a representative derivatization of the products was also investigated to prepare the corresponding C3 formylation compound.